the damage to the natural waterways peaked in 1843, and serious water shortages plagued the city, causing the government to take measures in a bid to save the forest and the streams.  

initial replanting began in 1845, but it was not until emperor dom pedro ii, the second and last ruler of the empire of brazil, appointed major manuel gomes archer as manager of the forest in 1861, that reforestation really took off.

the government acquired more land in 1867, expanding the overall area of the project.